Limestone is formed when the remains of dead sea creatures, shells and fish bones pile up on the bed of the sea. Over millions of years, under great pressure, these remains become compressed and cemented together, forming strata. Some remains are preserved in the rock as fossils. Limestone is a permeable rock, which means that water can pass through it. Limestone is also soluble , meaning that it dissolves in water. It contains the mineral calcium carbonate.
How it is used Limestone is used as a base for building roads, as well as in monuments. It is also used to create agricultural lime used in farming.
Location
It is found in the Burren, Co. Clare, and is the most common rock type in Ireland.
What fossils can you identify? Question Time
1. Explain the following words: (a) strata, (b) permeable, (c) soluble. 2. Name two uses of sandstone. 3. Describe the formation of one sedimentary rock.
Animals can benefit from having limestone in their diet so it is often added to their feed. Find out why. Managing information and thinking
Metamorphic Rocks
Metamorphic rocks began life as igneous or sedimentary rock. When these two rock groups come into contact with great heat (from magma) or great pressure (due to folding), they can be changed into completely new rocks known as metamorphic rocks.
Metamorphic rock
forming Layers of sedimentary rock
Rising magma turns sedimentary rock into metamorphic rock due to great heat
Magma rising through the rock 5. Metamorphic rock formation 51